Banking malware is a major cybersecurity threat and banks are always on the lookout for any new threats. One of these threats is called Kronos Hack—a type of banking malware that has been wreaking havoc since 2014.
Kronos was developed as a follow-up to the UPAS Kit banking malware, which hit the scene in 2012. Just like its predecessor, it’s designed to steal banking login credentials and other sensitive information from browser sessions through keylogging and web injection techniques.
In 2015, Kronos began targeting British banks with its malicious attacks. Are you wondering what else there is to know about this banking malware? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Kronos Hack.
What Is Kronos Hack?
Kronos is a type of banking malware, first reported in 2014. It is believed to have been developed as a follow-up to the UPAS Kit. Which caused quite a stir when it was released in 2012. Like other banking malware such as Zeus and Dyre. Kronos is designed specifically to steal banking login credentials from browser sessions by combining keylogging with web injection techniques.
Kronos has been used by attackers to target banks in Europe and the United States. But its peak activity was in 2015 when British banks were particularly affected. The malware was sold through underground markets for as much as $7,000. Allowing cybercriminals to customize it according to their own needs.
What Are the Symptoms of a Kronos Hack?
One of the most common symptoms of a Kronos attack is changes to your bank account that you don’t recognize or approve. That may include missing money or suspicious transactions. You might also see unapproved payments made from your bank account.
Another warning sign that you might have a Kronos attack on your hands is periodic pop-ups requesting additional information about your identity or devices that you manage with the same bank accounts.
Push campaigns
You know those ads or notifications in your browser asking you links to click? If you’re seeing them in suspiciously large amounts after updating your computer, then it could be a sign that someone has infected it with banking malware like Kronos.
Slow browsing experience
If all of sudden, pages take longer than usual to load, this could be a sign that someone has installed malicious software into your computer and it’s using the extra resources to run in the background without being noticed.
It’s important to note that these aren’t exclusive symptoms of a Kronos attack, so if you’re experiencing any of these signs and suspect something fishy is going on, it’s best to reach out to a professional for help.
How Can Banks Protect Against Such Malware?
So, if Kronos is out there, how can banks protect against it?
The simplest approach is to stay up to date with industry best practices. Banks should implement strong authentication technology, such as two factor authentication, and increase the monitoring of their networks for any suspicious activity.
Banks should also monitor customer accounts for anomalies and suspicious transactions. Employees should be trained on security protocols and instructed on what types of activities are considered suspicious online behavior.
Additionally, banks should deploy a secure software development life cycle process that includes security testing and code reviews to ensure their applications and websites remain secure from the latest threats. Finally, banks can choose to partner with a managed security service provider who will provide ongoing protection for their networks and systems.
What Is the History of Kronos Hack?
The history of Kronos dates back to 2014 when it was first reported. It was built by two famous malware creators — “VinnyK” and “armor123″ — who had already released the popular UPAS Kit back in 2012.
Kronos offered an advanced form of banking malware, which combined keylogging, web injection and other techniques. It was primarily used to steal banking login credentials from web browser sessions.
Unlike its predecessor, however, Kronos boasted a high price tag of $7,000 and could only be bought with Bitcoin payments or on the dark market. It quickly gained popularity with cybercriminals and by 2015 it had become infamous for its attacks on British banks.
Overall, Kronos has earned a reputation as one of the most advanced pieces of banking malware ever created. While it is no longer active in the wild. Its underlying code has been adopted by other malicious players over the years.
What Should You Do if You Think You’ve Been Affected by the Malware?
If you think you might be affected by the Kronos Hack. The first thing you should do is change your passwords. It’s also good practice to enable two-factor authentication, or two-step verification for your bank accounts and other important online accounts.
It’s important to run scans on your computer for viruses and malware with a reliable security suite. You should also perform a manual scan of your browser and uninstall any unknown add-ons if you find them. Additionally, you should always keep your software up to date as new patches may have been released to protect against Kronos and other malicious programs. Last but not least, if you’ve noticed suspicious activity on any of your bank or online accounts, contact customer support immediately. They can investigate the issue further and help keep your data safe.
